About
Ph.D. Albany Medical College, 1998
B.S. SUNY Buffalo, 1991 - Biology
A.A.S. SUNY Cobleskill
Postdoctoral Research & Training
Postdoctoral Researcher, Vanderbilt University, 1998-2002
Postdoctoral Researcher, Skidmore College, 2003-2005
Research
My research activities are focused on studying the expression patterns of Parkinson’s disease (PD) gene homologs in the model organism C. elegans and other genes related to life span and neurodegeneration. There are 6 genes, thus far, linked to the inherited form of PD and they are: alpha synuclein, DJ-1, PINK1, Parkin, HTRA2 and dardarin. The current hypothesis regarding the onset of this neurological disorder and aging involves an increase in oxidative stress. The accumulation of oxidative damage to membranes, proteins, and DNA eventually kills the cell. PD genes play a role in protecting mitochondria against oxidative stress based on model systems. The question I am addressing using C. elegans, is what specific role these proteins play in reducing oxidative stress and maintaining mitochondrial integrity, i.e. what are the protein-protein interactions? I am using a variety of biochemical imaging approaches to look at when these proteins are expressed and eventually if they will interact with one another.
STEM education, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry (protein purification), Cell Biology
Teaching
By appointment. Please email me to set up a time.
BIOL 4720 - Molecular Biology Laboratory
The techniques of gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme mapping, PCR, and use of a molecular biology software program are applied to the study of bacterial plasmids and mammalian genes. The course includes extensive hands-on laboratory work, as well as the writing of in-depth reports. This is a communication-intensive course.
BIOL/BCBP 4710 - Biochemistry Laboratory
Major principles of biochemistry are illustrated, as students purify and analyze specific proteins. Experience is obtained with various techniques including protein extraction from bacteria and tissues, chromatography, ultracentrifugation, spectrophotometric analysis, and electrophoresis. The course includes extensive hands-on laboratory work, as well as the writing of in-depth reports. This is a communication-intensive course.
BIOL 2120 - Introduction to Cell Biology
Structural and functional relationships of cells are discussed with regard to similarities among all living organisms. Introduction to cellular biochemistry, metabolism and energy flow, cellular and Mendelian genetics, and the chemical basis of heredity.
BIOL 4620 - Molecular Biology I
Nucleotide biosynthesis; structure, replication, transcription, and translation of nucleic acids; reassociation of nucleic acids; molecular cloning, sequencing, and endonuclease mapping of DNA; control of gene expression in bacteria and higher organisms.
Courses previously taught
BIOL 1010/1015 - Introduction to Biology/Introduction to Biology Laboratory
Introduction to biological systems. Discussion of problems associated with biological organization, scaling, and hierarchy. Major topics covered include evolution, genetics and medicine, and ecology. The course considers the biological components of various environmental, social, and individual problems. Course is taught using both traditional and research-based pedagogical methods.
BIOL 2125 - Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory (this includes developing the laboratories in fall 2014)
The goal of this course is to gain practical experience with cellular and molecular biology through hands-on experimental techniques. The laboratory exercises are designed to illustrate current concepts in cellular and molecular biology.